This was the moment that a man, unassuming, smashed into a 12 foot alligator in a Florida lake. It was captured on camera.
Juan Carlos La Verde, a swimmer on Lake Thonotosassa, was swimming off a dock when he met the enormous gator. The gator attempted to bite La Verde’s head, but he didn’t realize what was happening.
He had actually hired a drone-equipped photographer to take a promo photo as he trained for a race he was organizing.
The drone captured all the moments of the violent encounter.
La Verde, a former member of the United States Air Force Pararescue, was seen trying to reach shore during the frightening ordeal.
As a good Samaritan, he rushed him to a local hospital and called 911 to alert authorities.
Now, La Verde’s jaw is wired shut after undergoing a six-hour surgery to repair and reconstruct damage to his skull and head, according to GoFundMe Campaign He was created.
“Currently, we do not know how long he will be admitted under the care of the experts at Tampa General Hospital,”You can read the GoFundMe webpage. “JC is a man who has dedicated his entire life to helping others. He has always chosen a path of selfless and meaningful service committing his entire life to service … With your help, we can ensure that JC and his wife Christine are supported as they navigate this challenging time and embark on their recovery journey!”
More than $57,000 was raised via GoFundMe as of Friday